Monday, August 22, 2011

The first day of school in the Nebo School district today brought an end to summer. Sarah is entering eighth grade.
She did not "stick" the landing on this jump photo. I think she was thrown off balance by her bag of school supplies--mechanical pencils, magnets and art work to decorate her locker, filled-out forms, notebooks etc.
Joel begins fifth grade. His fall will be very busy with twice weekly club soccer games.
Will begins first grade. Will excitedly picked out his new shoes a few weeks ago, but was not able to wear them until today. Marie is wondering what she is going to do all day without any kids in the home.
A few activities from our end or summer fun included a father and sons campout up Diamond Fork canyon. Marie packed multiple changes of clothing for the boys only to once again learn that boys don't change clothes (except maybe to sleep) when they camp. She also was kind enough to pack combs for the boys! :)
The morning hikers from the Spring Creek 18th Ward.
The Wanrhodes unimproved campground was great fun. It had a steam for falling in, forests for exploring and hills for climbing. It also has a large meadow for tent pitching and cattle grazing and pooping. After our hike some real live cowboys herded some cows down the canyon.
We were even treated to an unscripted bull fight.
We all went to a delightful performance of The Sound of Music at Sundance. The audience even got to sing along on some of the songs. Last week I took Sarah to a performance of Aida (a Scera production at BYU for education week). It was a first for both of us.
For her 13th birthday we went swimming with cousins at Veterans Pool in Provo (Sarah decorated her own cake). Two days later Sarah took two friends to Color me Mine where they each colored pottery to be glazed. Sarah decorated a bright cheery bowl for her morning cereal. Yesterday at church Sarah was set apart as second counselor in the Beehive Presidency and I was sustained as the new assistant leader for the Teachers Quorum/Varsity Scouts. Webelos was nice while it lasted.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Three years ago I helped found a non-profit organization that helps Indonesian children and young adults get an education. The newsletter below tells you all about it. If you are in a position to donate please go to http://jaredita.org/ for more information. There you will find a link to pay by Pay Pal or a mailing address to pay by check. You can click on each page to make it easier to read.